SFC—System File Checker; a Windows tool allowing users to scan for corruptions in system files and restore

CHKDSK—will verify the file system of a volume and fix logical file system corruption

GPUPDATE—refreshed Group Policy manual

GPRESULT—used to determine user and system policies

DIR—gives a listing of a directory

EXIT—exits user from command line

HELP—available from command line for all commands

EXPAND—expands update files

[command name] /?—example of the help function invoked from the command line

commands available with standard privileges vs. administrative privileges—Certain commands can only be run with administrative privileges; Ctrl + Shift + Enter will allow you to run a command as administrator.

Application of Microsoft Features and Tools

Make sure you can apply the following features and tools when given typical user scenarios. Microsoft puts all the various tools needed to manage a system on a single screen to simplify the process.

On Windows Vista, to load the Administrative tools,right-click Taskbar and then select the Start Menu tab > Custom > System Administrative tools.

On Windows 7, to load Administrative tools, click Control Panel > System Security > Administrative tools. Windows 8 and 8.1 Administrative tools can be found from in Settings > Tiles > Show Administrative Tools. Familiarize yourself with all the applications available in administrative tools.

Administrative

Computer Management located in Administrative tools contains a variety of tools used to manage the operating system found under the heading System Tools. Review the function of these tools and be familiar with: Device Manager, Performance Monitor, Services, System Configuration, Task Scheduler, Print Manager, Memory Diagnostics, Windows Firewall, and Advanced Security.

MSCONFIG

The msconfig command is used to troubleshoot problems relating to the system startup process. From the msconfig command, there are tabs: Boot, Services, Startup and Tools. Be sure you understand the function of each tab.

Task Manager

The Task Manager enables users to monitor applications services and processes running on the PC. It can be used to start and halt programs/processes and display specific information regarding system performance. Be familiar with the six tabs that monitor: Applications, Processes, Services, Performance, Network, and Users.

Disk Management

The Microsoft Disk Management tool is part of Computer Management. This tool graphically displays the overall condition of the drive. With it, you can view the status of individual partitions that could help prevent disk failures in the future. Disk Management allows you to create, resize, and delete partitions, as well as format new partitions, assign and change drive letters, and configure disk arrays.

Other Tools

Be familiar with tools like User State Migration used to manage migration, which is useful when doing large scale deployments and is available on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Windows Easy Transfer allows the transferring of personal files and settings from a system running an earlier version of Windows being updated to a computer running a newer version. Be sure you understand the function of Windows Upgrade Advisor.

System Utilities

Many of the System Utilities are available through the Command Line Prompt. You will need to have a working knowledge of:

Regedit—registry editor

Services.msc—view and modify background services

MMC—Microsoft Management Console; allows additional plug-ins to manage a system

MSTSC—remote desktop

Notepad—text editor

Explorer—view and copy files

MSINFO32—displays software and hardware configurations on any system

DXDIAG—graphics and audio diagnostics

Defrag—defragment a hard drive

System Restore—allows users to go back in time to restore a system

Windows Update—maintains system updates, security patches, etc.

Control Panel Utilities

The Control Panel is the location of many of the tools and utilities necessary to maintain a PC. On the test, you will encounter scenarios requiring you to select the utility needed to repair a PC. You need to familiar with the utilities contained in the Control Panel.

Internet Options

You need to understand the difference between a workgroup and a domain and when each would be appropriate. Know how to enable the system’s firewall and be familiar with steps necessary to ensure security as well as privacy. Understand the various connections established on a network such as dial up, wired, wireless, and VPN.

Display

Know the various display settings for a monitor such as resolution, color depth, refresh rate, as well as how to configure a system with dual monitors.

User Accounts

As a system administrator, you need to know how to create and delete users and maintain their accounts, as well as how to establish secure passwords.

Folders

Know the various attributes associated with folders, such as sharing, security, ownership, and how folders can be hidden and deleted.

System

Virtual memory is controlled by the System Applet, which allows users to change the size of the page file. Be sure you understand the purpose of virtual memory, the size of the page file, and how to manage the amount of virtual memory. The System Applet also allows you to enable or disable System Restore, as well as manage setting for remote access and remote desktop through the System Protection Settings.

Firewall

The firewall is included with the operating system on Windows Vista, Windows, and 7 and Windows 8 and 8.1. Be sure you are familiar with the features of the firewall.

Power

Windows Power options allow you to control how a PC will use power. This feature is more vital on a laptop but it is also available on desktop units. Know the difference between the different power modes (sleep, hibernate) and which one used no power when activated and why (Hibernate mode).

Programs and Features

Under Program and Features, all applications that have been installed are listed.

HomeGroup

HomeGroup (not available on Windows Vista) allows users of Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 on a home network to share pictures, movies, music, documents, and printers on the network. This feature is not available on a public or work network.

Devices and Printers

Devices and Printers gives a detailed view of everything on your network and allows you to configure these devices.

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